@nancipants - My friends and I were in theater 8 as well! Where were you seated?
So I got there at 7:20am this morning and we ended up being 25, 26, and 27 to get into my theater. We were told to come back by 3pm to line up so we walked around awhile and left around noon to eat at Sweet Tomatoes. We came back and waited until about 2:35 or so to join the line. Our line didn't head to the red carpet until almost 4pm. We walked the red carpet and got to take photos with the First Order stormtroopers and Chewbacca.
Once inside, we went through security (quick and painless) and then lined up in our order. Not too much longer, we were in the theater. I went out to the merchandise line and waited an hour to purchase a few things. I got the hoodie that I wanted and picked up a hat for a friend. The problem with the stand was that there was only two people working it and only one person taking payment. After that I got concessions and in no time it was time for the movie to begin.
I really enjoyed the movie and I can't wait to see it again so I can pick up on more things. It definitely was an emotional experience for me since I consider it to be my first time seeing a Star Wars movie in theaters (I saw like Episode 1 in theaters when it came out but I was super young and I got bored according to my Mom). I unfortunately watched someone's periscope of them at the lights on Wednesday and some lovely person said a spoiler; whether or not they knew it was true, I don't know - but that stunk for me to have such a big thing ruined. Other than that, I was really pleased and I can't wait to take my friends and family to see it with me and get their thoughts.
We got out of the movie around 9:45 or so and by the time we got all our thoughts collected and got to the car to drive over, it was probably 10:30 or so. Parking wasn't bad. I stupidly left the tickets in the car so I had to run back and get them. As we were coming in, we got the BB-8 light up lanyard and Starbucks was giving out little tiny cups of vanilla bean fraps with red & blue whipped cream. We walked over and saw Captain Phasma on top of the Hyperion. She switched out with First Order Stormtroopers. I don't understand why they can't have them meet...seems like a better way to spend time rather than just pacing on top of the building.
We went over to Star Tours and saw BB-8's photo op so we jumped in line for that. As we got to take our photo, R2-D2 showed up so we got a photo with both. Once we got out, the line was pretty far back. We rode Star Tours and then looked around Tatooine Traders. They only had a new "Chewie, We're Home" shirt which was very basic, a set with 10 figurines from the movie (good value, was $20), and then a new Vinylmation lineup with the new characters. We really felt they missed the mark with merchandise. Myself and friends included would've bought shirts if they had released one that was date specific.
We then went over to ride Rock 'n Roller Coaster. They were sending a lot of empty vehicles, but the line wasn't too bad. It was awesome with the music, only wish the ride was longer so we could hear more! We then went to get our commemorative gift which was awesome. Sadly, my ticket holder (it's like made of wood) isn't shaped right, so my ticket sits lopsided. Anyone know who I'd contact about this? I'm probably going to the park tomorrow to see the fireworks with a friend after I see the movie again, but if an e-mail would go better...
We then meandered back to the front to watch the fireworks. We picked up some Chewbacca steins and they did have the tie fighter popcorn buckets as well. We stood near the stand (little past the old wait time board on the right) and I felt it was a little too close so I'll probably watch it farther back tomorrow. After that, almost everyone left. We went and took a photo with the photo op setup near the stage (it was setup to look like a red carpet premiere) and then stood around the stage while DJ Elliot and the host, Mark, talked about the movie and just bantered around about different events that happened in the movie. They also gave out some free merch so that was cool. My group didn't get anything, but they did give out some of the new vinylmations, the soundtrack for the movie, and some BB-8 merch.
It was nearing 2am so we went over to Launch Bay and we met Chewbacca. All of our photos for the event were free downloads so that was a nice change as well!
Overall, I'd say I was much more pleased with this event than past events. I do wish they had had more Star Wars to do in the park, especially some type of meet and greet outside of what we normally get. Of course, celebrities would've been awesome, but
, blood and gore, etc. Honestly...how much of these are in the movie? We usually get a copy of the movie once it's on dvd and edit out the inappropriate stuff, but we would love to let him watch it in the theatre...
